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Havasupai waterfalls closed through Aug. 31 because of flooding

Flooding from a waterfall on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 11, 2018. About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon. Benji Xie via Associated Press

Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

Flooding from a waterfall on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 11, 2018. About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon.
Benji Xie via Associated Press

Tourists form a line waiting for helicopter tours during flooding of Havasupai Falls, July 12, 2018 Courtesy of Heather Mitchell

Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

Tourists form a line waiting for helicopter tours during flooding of Havasupai Falls, July 12, 2018
Courtesy of Heather Mitchell

Flooding from a waterfall on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 12, 2018, About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon. Benji Xie via Associated Press

Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

Flooding from a waterfall on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 12, 2018, About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon.
Benji Xie via Associated Press

A helicopter lands to rescue people from flooding on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 12, 2018. Rescue workers were evacuating about 200 tourists who were caught in flash flooding at a popular campground on tribal land near the Grand Canyon where visitors go to see towering blue-green waterfalls. Benji Xie via Associated Press

Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

A helicopter lands to rescue people from flooding on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 12, 2018. Rescue workers were evacuating about 200 tourists who were caught in flash flooding at a popular campground on tribal land near the Grand Canyon where visitors go to see towering blue-green waterfalls.
Benji Xie via Associated Press

A 1993 file photo shows Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon. About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon. Officials with the Havasupai Tribe say their reservation was hit with two rounds of flooding July 11, 2018. Associated Press

Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

A 1993 file photo shows Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon. About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon. Officials with the Havasupai Tribe say their reservation was hit with two rounds of flooding July 11, 2018.
Associated Press

Flooding at Havasu Falls in Arizona in July 2018, posted by Eric Kremer on Facebook. via Facebook

Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

Flooding at Havasu Falls in Arizona in July 2018, posted by Eric Kremer on Facebook.
via Facebook

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Flooding at Havasu Falls in July 2018

Flooding from a waterfall on the Havasupai reservation in Supai on July 11, 2018. About 200 tourists were evacuated from a campground on tribal land near famous waterfalls deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon.

Havasu Falls, the bucket-list Arizona hiking and camping destination in a remote corner of the Grand Canyon, will remain closed to tourists through Aug. 31 due to flooding damage, tribal officials announced Tuesday.

That is significantly longer than officials originally projected. When flash flooding on July 11 and 12 forced the evacuation of about 200 tourists by helicopter, the Havasupai Tribal Council said it expected the attraction with the famous blue-green waterfalls would close for seven to 10 days. At the high end of that range, the campground would have reopened Sunday, July 22.

Northern Arizona was hit with more heavy rain immediately after the flash flooding and tribal officials say the extended closure is needed to repair the campground and make sure the trails are safe.

Travelers from around the world compete each year for a coveted camping reservation and the Instagram bragging rights that come with a visit. It is a 10-mile hike from the trailhead to the campground, which is between two of the signature waterfalls, Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

Tourists with upcoming camping reservations or room reservations at the 24-room Havasupai Lodge in Supai, 2 miles from the campground, will have to reschedule. Refunds will not be given.

Havasu Falls is one of the most photographed spots on the trail to the Havasupai campground. Nov. 1, 2016(Photo: Dawn Gilbertson/The Republic)

Travelers affected by the closure should call the tourist office at 928-448-2141 to reschedule. Officials urge patience because the number of phone lines is limited.